2 Thessalonians 1 -- What God Is Doing Through Our Trials

Paul’s follow-up letter to the Thessalonians showed that they’d done what he asked in his first letter – their faith was growing more and more and the love that every one of them had for each other was increasing.  Paul was praising God for what He was doing in that church.  My commentary said, “not only does prayer change people and situations, but so does praise.”

He also noted that their patience was increasing as they endured trouble.  My commentary said, “You don’t become patient and persevering by reading a book … You have to suffer …But God never wastes suffering.  Trials work for us, not against us.  If we trust God and yield to Him, then trials will produce patience and maturity in our lives.  If we rebel and fight our circumstances, then we will remain immature and impatient … Their sufferings were evidence that God was righteous, working out His great plan for them.  We are prone to think that suffering proves that God does not care, but just the opposite is true.  Furthermore, the way we act in times of trial proves to others that God is at work … Trials do not make a person; they reveal what a person is made of.”

Father, I know that You are at work in the trials my family has been through this year.  I thank You for increasing my faith.  Help me sons to see it all from Your perspective as well.  Let them let You show them they are made of strong stuff and that You are loving them by taking them through it.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford